Water scarcity in many parts of the world, along with improved living conditions and hygiene practices, has necessitated a search for new or alternative sources of supply. Seawater and brackish water desalination, in addition to the reuse of domestic and industrial wastewaters, are important practices for optimal water usage, especially in water short regions and meeting the increasing global demand for potable water.
The United Nations in 2001 ‘International Year of Freshwater’ identified 18 countries that have a critical water shortage, mainly in the Middle East and North Africa and a few countries in Europe, Asia and the Caribbean. In the year 2025 it is projected that the above number of countries will increase to 29. Not only water quantity, but also water quality is important by means of human health. Membrane Technology in the last years, the promising contributer to solve water shortage and quality problems by wastewater reuse and seawater/brackish water desalination.
Turkey is categorized with water consumption of approximately 1500 m3 of water per capita per year as a state in water stress. There is a regional water supply problem in Turkey which means that some areas have enough water resources while some areas do not have. For this reason, alternative solutions for water supply should be found for these regions.
With a history stretching back over 227 years, providing technical education within a modern educational environment and strong academic staff, Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is strongly identified with architectural and engineering education in Turkey. Since its inception and foundation under Ottoman rule, ITU has constantly lead the way in reform movements and played a pivotal roles in the reconstruction, modernization, and administration of the country in the latter era of the Republic of Turkey.
All these reasons have motivated us to organize this conference in this region. On the behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to invite all of you to Istanbul to participate the IWA Regional Conference and Exhibition on Membrane Technology and Water Reuse 2010 and look forward to seeing you in Istanbul in 2010.
Sincerely,
Assoc. Prof. Ismail Koyuncu (Local Organising Committee Chair)
Istanbul Technical University, Turkey
